2020 Toyota Highlander transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026MSTransmission & Drivetrain

   • What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission assembly (specifically internal mechanical wear resulting from front carrier assembly bearing degradation/torque converter heat buildup). No, the component and the contaminated transmission fluid are currently being replaced at the dealership. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The severe mechanical wear and…

   NHTSA complaint #11768515 · source
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026IATransmission & Drivetrain

   My Highlander started making a whining noise while accelerating. Took it to my local dealership and was told I need a new transmission. I have 87,000 miles on it! Total cost = $8,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11765030 · source
3. Filed Sep 7, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   At 51,000 mile the transmission started making a whining noise. Took it to the dealer and they stated the transmission needs replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11762589 · source
4. Filed Sep 4, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD developed a high-pitched whining noise from the drivetrain/transmission area while accelerating. The noise increases under acceleration and stops when the accelerator is released. The noise is not present when the vehicle is in neutral. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed the condition and determined that the transmission requires replacement. The vehicle had only recently exceeded…

   NHTSA complaint #11762141 · source
5. Filed Sep 1, 2026KSTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission started making a whining noise around 69,000 miles that a mechanic said was due to transmission failure. There were no warning lights or messages. I took it to the Toytota dealer who sold it to me new. They inspected it and confirmed that the transmission needed replaced which they did. Online research said these symptoms meant the transmission could fail at any time while driving it which could put passengers and others at risk.

   NHTSA complaint #11761227 · source
6. Filed Aug 28, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission had a catastrophic failure at 73,000 miles and six years after purchase. There has been a service bulletin issued with known defects on this transmission yet Toyota corporate failed to acknowledge that they installed faulty transmissions in the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The diagnosis was a failed pinion bearing which the dealer diagnosed to replace the transmission at nearly $10,000

   NHTSA complaint #11760192 · source
7. Filed Jul 29, 2026MDTransmission & Drivetrain

   We have a 2020 Toyota Highlander with 89K miles that we have owned since it was new. I was informed today to not drive it any long distances from the dealer due to an impending failure of the transmission, creating a large safety issue for me and my family. I understand there are related recalls of the UA80 transmission but none for this particular model; there are countless internet reports of failure. I implore the NHTSA to investigate and protect the motoring public.

   NHTSA complaint #11753467 · source
8. Filed Jul 7, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission stalls in situations where speed is needed. For example when merging into traffic all of a sudden no power then when gear finally engages there a huge thump and feels like being hit from behind.

   NHTSA complaint #11748933 · source
9. Filed Jul 7, 2026NHTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission can suddenly fail even at very early mileages. This is almost certainly related to T-SB-0008-21 that has defined a narrow number of transmissions though it appears to affect many more than outlined. This could cause sudden failure while operating the vehicle at any point in time and potentially lead to a crash without much if any warning. Toyota Brand Engagement is denying any assistance due to external service history from a prior owner rather than…

   NHTSA complaint #11748904 · source
10. Filed Jul 7, 2026MDTransmission & Drivetrain

    Toyota Highlander UA-80 transmission failed prematurely at 63,017 miles (just beyond warranty) due to KNOWN CRITICAL manufacturing defect as per technical advisory T-SB-0160-18 putting me and my family at risk for sudden catastrophic failure on the highway.

    NHTSA complaint #11748731 · source
11. Filed Jun 26, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

    I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected transmission failure in my 2020 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle experienced a major transmission malfunction without any prior warning signs, dashboard warning lights, diagnostic messages, or noticeable drivability issues. The failure occurred suddenly when the vehicle would no longer shift into reverse. When placed in reverse gear, the vehicle does not move. Additionally, when placed in drive, the transmission…

    NHTSA complaint #11746831 · source
12. Filed Jun 23, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    The transmission (the UA80) has been known to have several issues and my transmission has normal driving on it, has had its fluids replaced, and is now experiencing the same issue that others are experiencing.

    NHTSA complaint #11746060 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology